Collecting Volatile Data in Digital Forensics

D.

The correct order in which Joe should collect the data is D. CPU cache, RAM, paging/swap files, remote logging data.

When it comes to digital forensics, volatile data refers to data that can be lost or modified easily when the system is powered off or rebooted. Therefore, it is crucial to collect this data first before shutting down or manipulating the system.

Let's examine each option and determine which one follows the correct order:

Option A:

• CPU cache: correct, as it is the most volatile data
• Paging/swap files: incorrect, as these files contain less volatile data than RAM
• RAM: incorrect, as it is more volatile than paging/swap files
• Remote logging data: incorrect, as it is less volatile than RAM

Option B:

• RAM: correct, as it is the most volatile data after CPU cache
• CPU cache: incorrect, as it is more volatile than RAM
• Remote logging data: incorrect, as it is less volatile than RAM and CPU cache
• Paging/swap files: incorrect, as it contains less volatile data than RAM and CPU cache

Option C:

• Paging/swap files: correct, as they contain less volatile data than RAM and CPU cache
• CPU cache: incorrect, as it is more volatile than paging/swap files
• RAM: incorrect, as it is more volatile than paging/swap files
• Remote logging data: incorrect, as it is less volatile than RAM and CPU cache

Option D:

• CPU cache: correct, as it is the most volatile data
• RAM: correct, as it is the second most volatile data
• Paging/swap files: correct, as they contain less volatile data than RAM and CPU cache
• Remote logging data: correct, as it is the least volatile data

Therefore, the correct order in which Joe should collect the data is D. CPU cache, RAM, paging/swap files, remote logging data.